Surname Freake - Meaning and Origin

Freake: What does the surname Freake mean?

The surname Freake is of English origin, specifically linked to the old English pre-7th century word "fraki", which refers to a javelin or a spear. This was a term used to denote a soldier or a warrior who was trained in the use of such weapons. Therefore, a person bearing this name might be descended from a soldier or a warrior, particularly those proficient in spear combat. The use of surnames as a form of identifier started in England around the 11th Century and it was common to take a name that described one's occupation or displayed one's skills or attributes. However, meanings of surnames can evolve over time and can also have different interpretations, so it’s essential to consider the cultural and historical background while interpreting them.

Freake: Where does the name Freake come from?

The surname Freake is an English surname which is most common in areas of the United Kingdom where it is believed to have been a patronymic name or derived from a place name. The Freake name is recorded in Hertfordshire, England and into the neighbouring counties of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.

The surname Freake is also found in substantial numbers in Canada, due to the emigration of the Freake family over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries. Ontario and Nova Scotia are the provinces most likely to have the highest concentrations of the surname Freake.

In the United States, the surname Freake is associated with the descendants of some of the earliest settlers in New Jersey and Virginia. In the past, those living in the eastern states spoke with a British accent, so it is quite possible that the name Freake was brought over from United Kingdom during this time.

Within the United States, the states of New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts, Arkansas and Pennsylvania have the greatest concentration of the Freake surname today. Although the Freake name may be less common outside of these areas, it is still found in small numbers across the United States.

Overall, the last name Freake is most common in the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. This is due to the early emigration of the Freake family as well as the accents brought to the United States during the colonial time period.

Variations of the surname Freake

The surname Freake is one of the more unusual surnames and has several variants and spellings. It is thought to have originated from Old English and French languages, though the exact origin is not known.

The variants and spellings of this surname include: Freke, Freake, Freke, Frek, Frike, Freyke and Friedke. It is also sometimes seen spelled as Freakes.

The most common spellings of the Freake surname are Freke and Freake. It is not known with certainty what the correct spelling of the surname is, though it is thought to be Freke, as it is the original spelling of the surname.

The Freake surname has also been linked to a number of different surnames of similar origin, such as Frere, Frye, Fryer, Friger, Friar and Frier. These names are all thought to be derived from the same origin as Freake.

The Freake surname is not seen that often in the UK, as many of the variants and spellings have been Anglicized over time, becoming more commonplace. However, there are still some Freake families living in the UK.

Famous people with the name Freake

• Sarah Freake, Canadian actress known for her roles in "Corner Gas", "Rookie Blue", and "The Stanley Dynamic"
• Beatrice Freake, American author and illustrator of the popular children’s book “Harry and His Bucket Full of Dinosaurs”
• Jill Freake, Canadian professional beach volleyball player and Olympic athlete
• Christie Freake, Canadian professional golfer
• Craig Freake, Canadian national soccer player
• Dr. Harold Freake, Canadian doctor and oncologist
• Rev. Frank Freake, Canadian Christian minister
• Richard Freake, Canadian politician known for his work in the House of Commons
• Margaret Freake, Canadian political scientist and academic
• Franz Freake, Austrian sociologist and professor
• John Freake, British naval engineer
• William Freake, British Lieutenant-Governor of Newfoundland

Other surnames

Freak